A quick stop and chat with Obafemi Martins after his first practice with Sounders FC

Reporters got a chance to catch up with Sounders FC forward Obafemi Martins after Thursday’s practice (his first with the team). The designated player returned to Seattle this week after national team duty with Nigeria:

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(Getting tired of airplanes yet?) “Getting there. But it’s all right. I’m back with the team now.”

(How was it practicing today with the Sounders?) “I think it’s for the first time, so it’s good for me.”

(Do you feel some chemistry building with Eddie Johnson?) “I think, like I said, first time training, so I still have a long time to train with them and play a lot of games. I’ve been enjoying it so far.”

(You wore the No. 9 jersey at Newcastle, will you bring some of that role here to the Sounders?) “It’s not the same as how we played in Newcastle. It’s different tactics and all that. Like I said, I’m ready to go. I’ll try my best to help the team and try to win and score goals.”

(Do you feel ready to play Saturday?) “I’m a soccer player. There’s nothing to do. If the manager says, ‘Go and play,’ I have no choice then but to play. But I’m ready to go.”

(What has been the reaction you’ve been getting after this move to Seattle?) “I think it’s great. In some part, like the Levante team in Spain, they don’t really like the fact that I left and all that. But it’s my own decision and I’m here now, so I need to concentrate here and try to train more with the team and play a couple of games with them. I’m ready to go.”

(What have friends and family said to you?) “For the fact I’m happy, they are happy, as well.”

(When did you consider a future in MLS?) “Me and my family were talking about coming to America — not to travel or stay here, but to play. Eventually we’re here, so we’re happy.”

(Any eyes on playing in the Confederations Cup for Nigeria?) “I don’t want to talk about that now, because I have to focus on the Sounders FC first, and my team, and look toward that.”